Snap-Fitting Filtering Bodies for Subsoil Drainage Tubes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsoil drainage systems face issues where pressurized water can dislodge filtering bodies from their seats during installation, compromising the correct installation and operation of drainage tubes, leading to reduced water flow and potential debris entry.
Innovation Solution
A drainage system with self-drilling metallic tubes featuring water-soluble waterproofing caps and snap-fitting filtering bodies with flexible anchoring fins, which secure the filtering bodies in place and allow water passage once the caps dissolve, preventing debris entry and maintaining water flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pressurized water is introduced into the tube during installation, then water flow rate to the disposable bit is improved, but the filtering bodies are expelled from their seats
Solution Approach 1:
The snap-fitting filtering bodies are pre-installed in the through-holes before pressurized water is introduced. The snap-fitting mechanism is designed to securely hold the filtering bodies in place during the drilling and water introduction process, preventing their expulsion while allowing water flow to the bit.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap-fitting filtering bodies utilize elastic deformation and curved geometries to create a secure mechanical interlock with the tube wall. The elastic material deforms during installation and then springs back to lock the filtering bodies firmly in their seats, resisting the force of pressurized water.
2Manufacturing precision
If water-soluble waterproofing caps are used to obstruct filtering bodies during installation, then correct installation is achieved, but the caps must dissolve to allow water passage
Solution Approach 1:
Water-soluble waterproofing caps are used as temporary intermediary elements during installation. These caps are placed on the filtering bodies to prevent water passage during the drilling process. After installation is complete, the caps automatically dissolve in contact with water, allowing water to pass through the filtering bodies to the bit without requiring manual removal or complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproofing caps utilize a phase transition from solid to dissolved state through water contact. The water-soluble material gradually dissolves when exposed to water, transforming from a blocking state during installation to a permeable state during operation, automatically enabling water flow through the filtering bodies.
3Strength
If filtering bodies are placed by interference in through holes, then secure retention is achieved, but pressurized water can overcome the interference and expel the filtering bodies
Solution Approach 1:
The snap-fitting filtering bodies are pre-installed in the through-holes before pressurized water is introduced. The snap-fitting mechanism is designed to securely hold the filtering bodies in place during the drilling and water introduction process, preventing their expulsion while allowing water flow to the bit.
Solution Approach 2:
The filtering bodies utilize composite construction with an elastic material body and potentially metallic components. This composite structure provides both the necessary flexibility for snap-fitting installation and the structural strength to resist water pressure, combining the advantages of different materials to overcome the limitation of simple interference fits.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system ensures stable and efficient installation and operation of drainage tubes by retaining filtering bodies in position, preventing debris entry, and maintaining water flow, thus enhancing the drainage efficiency and stability during drilling operations.
Implementation Method 1
Being water-soluble, it will dissolve in contact with water and therefore once the installation is complete the filtering bodies will allow the passage of water from the outside to the inside
Implementation Method 2
The filtering bodies (300) comprise snap-fitting means (30) to the wall (20) of the tube (2). The snap-fitting means (30) comprises flexible anchoring fins (301) to an internal surface (201) of the tube (2).
Implementation Method 3
Pressurised water is pumped to the bit in order to facilitate drilling, the removal of the drilled material and cooling
Implementation Method 4
The tube is placed in rotation and in this way it is made to advance in the subsoil transversally to the tunnel
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
A drainage system comprising: - a water drainage tube (2) comprising a wall (20) having through holes (21); - a group (300) of filtering bodies fitted in the corresponding holes (21); the filtering bodies of said group (300) comprising at least a first filtering body (3) fitted in one of said holes (21) and which assumes a first configuration in which it comprises water-soluble waterproofing means (31) which prevents passage of water and a second configuration wherein the water-soluble waterproofing means (31) is dissolved, enabling the water to pass through the thickness of a wall (20) of the tube. The first filtering body (3) of said group comprises snap-fitting means (30) to the wall (20) of the tube (2), said snap-fitting means (30) comprising flexible anchoring fins (301) to an internal surface (201) of the tube (2).